Yes, donut dough can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days before being used. This method is known as "retarding" the dough. Refrigerating donut dough allows it to develop more flavor while also slowing down the yeast fermentation process, which can lead to improved texture and taste in the final product.
Here's how you can refrigerate donut dough:
After preparing the donut dough, let it rise as per the recipe instructions. This may involve leaving it covered in a warm place for the initial rise.
Once the dough has risen, shape it into donuts or cut into desired shapes using a donut cutter. Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each piece.
Cover the donut dough lightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out, and then refrigerate the tray with the dough.
Allow the donut dough to chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. During this time, the dough will continue to develop flavor, and the cold temperature will slow down the fermentation process.
When you're ready to fry or bake the donuts, remove the tray from the refrigerator and let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This will allow the dough to come closer to room temperature, making it easier to work with.
Proceed with frying or baking the donuts as per your recipe's instructions.
By refrigerating the donut dough, you can plan ahead and have freshly made donuts at your convenience. Just keep in mind that the dough should not be left in the refrigerator for too long, as it may become over-proofed and lose its desirable texture and taste. Typically, 1 to 2 days of refrigeration should be sufficient for best results.